The alveolar veins include the inferior alveolar vein and the posterior alveolar vein. Both of the veins are also considered to be dental veins. The inferior alveolar vein works to release fluid from the lower teeth and jaw, and the inferior alveolar artery assists it in completing this function. The inferior alveolar vein can also drain blood to the pterygoid plexus. The posterior alveolar vein, on the other hand, works to drain blood from the rear teeth and gums. The alveolar vein is located in the mandibular canal. This canal is a horizontal chamber located inside of the ramus. Although the both the veins and arteries in the face work to drain blood, veins can work in more than one direction. They are also shaped differently than arteries. The alveolar vein and the posterior alveolar veins are arranged in a plexus system, allowing them to empty blood out into a series of veins and muscles, including the pterygoid muscles, which serve as tributaries or drainages to the facial vein.